A CHINA EXPERIENCE

DAYS FROM 11 $5,830 PER PERSON

FULLY INCLUSIVE FROM NEW ZEALAND

ALL MEALS

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

 Admire Shanghai’s bright lights

 Find the past in Zhujiajiao

 Face the Terracotta Army

 Walk on the Great Wall

 Spend time in traditional hutongs

 Explore the Summer Palace

PRICE INCLUDES

• 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

• International flights and current taxes

• Domestic transportation

• 4 star accommodation

• Touring with guides and entrance fees

• Visa fees for NZ passport holders

Itinerary

DAYS 1-2: FLY TO SHANGHAI

Fly overnight to cosmopolitan Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3: EXPLORE SHANGHAI

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today’s explorations include the traditional Yu Garden, the Silk Factory and a stop in the old town. Also admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. Dinner tonight will be traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Learn about jade, the sacred stone

EXPERIENCES YOU’LL LOVE

Jade has long been a sacred stone to the Chinese people, bringing fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Visit a jade factory where you can learn more about its origins, its importance and how it is crafted. Step back in time to relive the majesty of the Tang Dynasty, of which Xian was the prosperous and glorious capital, with a colourful spectacular of traditional music and dancing.

Venture into Beijing’s atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.

DAY 4: ZHUJIAJIAO WATER TOWN

Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town’s narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Museum and explore People’s Square. End the day watching a Chinese acrobatic show.

DAY 5: LITTLE WILD GOOSE PAGODA

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. This afternoon take a visit to the fascinating Little Wild Goose Pagoda and spend time walking through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here you will gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road.

BEIJING (3N)

SHANGHAI (3N)

Physical Rating

IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?

This introductory tour offers a glimpse of China’s glorious past, fascinating present and bright future. Visit the contrasting cities of Xian, Beijing and Shanghai. The tour has a quick pace, but is well worth it.

PRICES

DAY 7: BULLET TRAIN TO BEIJING

Board the bullet train to Beijing, China’s historic capital city. After dinner, there is an option to enjoy a kung fu show.

DAY 8: IMPERIAL BEIJING

Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart and stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Here, mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they spend their afternoon practising tai chi, dancing and playing cards. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the traditional hutongs, where the narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of old Beijing. Meet a local family and learn first-hand about hutong life.

DAY 9: THE GREAT WALL

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. You will have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture. Today’s sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing’s most famous delicacy – Peking duck.

DAYS 10-11: DEPART BEIJING

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.

AVAILABLE AS YOUR OWN PRIVATE TOUR Enjoy flexibility, your own guide and vehicle.

*Departure coincides with Golden Week.

Flight and supplement information

• Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

• Regional NZ departures and flight upgrades available on request

• Land only (Shanghai - Beijing) 9 days from $4,130 per person, twin share • supplement from $580

Dedicated solos departure

Important note

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 01 September 2022, subject to change. Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights’ accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.

Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB400pp is paid locally in China.

Call for our 2025 pricing and departures